Nine tips on how to organize your dental tools for maximum efficiency

1. Daily check to be sure tools in the sterilization area are organized

That’s easy to simply get the job done and forget to organize. Though, ensuring that the right tools are rapidly available will go a long way toward helping your dental practice’s overall efficiency. Of course, all expired products must be placed as per state and federal laws, but you should also consider getting rid of products/pieces you never use, which will free available space for more common items.

2. Ignore storing tools on countertops

Only stock items where they are intended to be stored. For example, placing system tubs on countertops in treatment rooms is not efficient, and it often makes it harder to find smaller products and missing instruments.

3. Decorate Your Space

If feasible, bring in drab, attractive decorations to make your operatory feel more like home. Sufferers notice these things and feel more at ease when space looks like a room in a home instead of a stale hospital room. That can ease stress and give them something to focus on other than the instruments. The solution is to not have so much “stuff” that the room feels cluttered. Some key pieces will take the edge off a boring space. It will present the room feel comfortable and welcoming.

4. Perform color coding

There are several things more frustrating than searching through tubs to be sure you have the right tools for each process. You can color-code your tubs according to the type of procedure. This raises efficiency—you will automatically know that blue tubs are for stuffing, for example. It also hugely reduces stress, particularly on busy days.

5. Use instrument records

That can dramatically expand performance by placing all items needed to set up for the procedure in one location. These records can then be customized according to each dentist’s choices. While these cases may seem bulky, they will ultimately save you time in the long run because you will be assured that you will not need to search for tools at the last minute.

6. Create your burs

A list of random burs in storage blocks makes it harder for the dentist to find what he or she is looking for, so it’s necessary to ensure that every type needed is available. That’s also useful to place every bur needed on the dentist’s side of the patient. In extension, you should also consider using a bur storage cabinet composed so you can tell at one glance which products need to be reordered or replaced.

7. Be sure to keep your tools sharp

Using a simple tool slows the procedure and can produce less than pleasing results. Ever be sure that your cassettes and tubs have new or sharpened instruments. That’s also useful to have an area designated for tools that need to be focused on so you never select a dull one by mistake.

8. Create Good Flow

Becoming your operatory set up in a way that you can move efficiently through it as you clean and set up is a must. When you can discover everything you need without having to open too many drawers or cupboards helps you stay on time. You shouldn’t be spending so much time producing through supplies that you are constantly running over analyzing to flip your room over for the next patient. If you are subbing in a department, make sure to arrive early to familiarize yourself with the flow in the room you will be working in. That will take away one origin of stress in an unfamiliar office. Another good detail, if all the rooms are set up with supplies in the same place, everyone who works in the department will know where things are and be able to help you set up quickly and effortlessly. It works greatly well with assisted hygiene models as well, making that possible to jump from room to room without having to re-orient yourself.

9. Save time with treatment room setup sheets

In appreciation of marking all supplies, Dental Care uses treatment room setup sheets for all procedures. Certain treatment setup sheets pop up on the computer screen in every treatment room with pictures that show colleagues exactly how to set up specific procedures. Utilizing the picture on the computer screen, assistants can quickly set up instruments and supplies. These service sheets guarantee uniform setups by all assistants and help to make the performance of treatments easier and more efficient.